verdigris

[ vur-di-grees, -gris ]

noun

1. a green or bluish patina formed on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces exposed to the atmosphere for long periods of time, consisting principally of basic copper sulfate.

verdigris

/ ˈvɜːdɪɡrɪs /

noun

1. a green or bluish patina formed on copper, brass, or bronze and consisting of a basic salt of copper containing both copper oxide and a copper salt
2. a green or blue crystalline substance obtained by the action of acetic acid on copper and used as a fungicide and pigment; basic copper acetate

Other Words From

• verdi·grisy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of verdigris¹

1250–1300; < Middle French vert de gris; replacing Middle English vertegrez < Anglo-French vert de Grece, Old French vere grez green of Greece

Word History and Origins

Origin of verdigris¹

C14: from Old French vert de Grice green of Greece

Example Sentences

Created in a Roman Bronze finish, its hand-patinated surface has all the timeworn texture and verdigris of its classical counterpart.

From New York Times

And over time, copper develops a patina, that verdigris color you may or may not like.

From Washington Post

It was inspired by the verdigris tones of a historic building across the street and the pale blush of another local landmark.

From New York Times

The witch-queen, oldest of the Lilim, reined in the horses beside a pinnacle of rock the color of verdigris, which jutted from the marshy soil of the Barrens like a needle.

From Literature

Dubbed “Liberty green” by the campaign, it’s a not-so-subtle nod to the verdigris patina of another high-profile political woman — the Statue of Liberty.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blue-green
• olive